Winter weather can be rough on a roof. When a long winter is finally over and temperatures start to creep up, it's a good time to check out the condition of the roof to find any problems and have them addressed to prevent leaks and other damage. In particular, here are some things you've got to look at when you're checking your home's roof after the cold months are over.
Look for Loose and Clogged Gutters
A long winter could mean that ice, snow, and rain weighed heavily on your gutters throughout the season, leaving gutters loose and unable to work properly. You may be able to see visible signs that gutters are loose—for instance, if they are hanging—but to be certain, get out your hose, aim it toward your gutters, and spray some water up there. If you see water dripping against the house or don't see water pouring out of your downspouts, the gutters might have to be reattached or screwed in more tightly.
Of course, before you reattach any loose gutters, it's wise to ensure they're aren't clogged and holding dead branches or leaves, which could also weigh down the gutters and stop flow of water. Remove debris that may be stuck.
Investigate Loose Flashing
The metal flashing that goes around your skylight or chimney and blocks water from flowing into the house might also have gotten loose over the winter. Sometimes you need only tighten the screws again so that the flashing can be properly attached to the roof and continue to help you avoid leaks. However, before doing that, look for signs of rust and mold underneath the loose flashing. Rust can mean that the flashing should be replaced, and any mold that you see needs to be removed before it damages shingles on the roof.
Monitor the Eaves
With summer comes insect life. Wasps, bees, and other flying insects can set up nests beneath eaves, so doing a walkaround periodically and paying attention to any activity in the area is a smart move. If you have trees on your property with branches that brush up against the eaves, you might consider cutting those back to discourage any pests from going to that area.
After winter has passed, it's wise to take a look at your roof and do the things laid out above. Get in touch with a local residential roof contractor who can provide more suggestions and assistance.
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